Abstract
The rise of artificial intelligence is disrupting design practice and education, accelerating technological change, creating new types of jobs, and rendering others obsolete. This necessitates new approaches to skill development, emphasizing the importance of being future-proof through education. Mastering self-learning across various disciplines is essential for students to adapt to these changes. This paper explores how undergraduate design curriculums can be advanced to teach cutting-edge methods and tools from various design disciplines at an early stage, preparing students for a versatile and impact-driven education and practice. This study examines the methodologies used in two consecutive foundational courses, “Ecologies of Form” and “Material (In)formation,” at the Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI). These courses, designed to equip first-year students with advanced skills, have evolved to include hybrid methodologies merging pre-recorded tutorials, in-person consultations, and self-learning techniques. Structured around exercise-based modules, they foster self-learning through research-driven teaching. By integrating early education theories such as scaffolding and the zone of proximal development with agile methodology frameworks, these courses create a dynamic and responsive learning experience. The methodology involves a mixed methods approach, analyzing course outcomes, conducting anonymous surveys with students, and performing a comprehensive literature review. In-depth interviews and observational studies provide additional qualitative insights, ensuring a robust evaluation of the hybrid methodologies. This paper offers a guide for designing skill-based courses in design education, emphasizing adaptability, independent research skills, and technological integration. This case study provides a replicable model for contemporary higher education, preparing students for the complex jobs of tomorrow.
Presenters
Joanne HayekAssistant Professor, Design, Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation, United Arab Emirates Raffi Tchakerian
Assistant Professor, Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation, Dubayy, United Arab Emirates Mirko Daneluzzo
Dubai Institute Design and Innovation
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Cross-Disciplinary Skill Acquisition, Hybrid Learning, Foundational Design Education, Self-Learning, Instructional
